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Triumph Releases Official Photos of Tiger 800 and 800 XC

Feast your eyes! Triumph has decided to release official photos of the new Tiger 800 and Tiger 800 XC (pictured at the bottom) in advance of the official unveiling next month. The photos show a narrow and apparently light dual-purpose machine, with the road oriented version featuring a 19 inch front wheel and the off-road oriented version featuring a spoked 21 incher. The beefy frame looks overbuilt (particularly, the welded on subframe) to deal with the rigors of off-road riding, touring, passenger and luggage.

This bike has generated tremendous interest, but the photos are all we have at this point. All of the official specifications will be released later, including pricing and availability information.

The large displacement dual purpose category is certainly becoming more popular here in the United States (it is already popular in Europe). This lighter, more nimble version of Triumph’s Tiger looks set to be a big hit, both here and abroad. We are pleased to see Triumph decided to put a 19 inch front wheel on the street version, similar to Suzuki’s V – Strom. This will give the bike a touch of off-road capability together with the ability to suck up bad street surfaces. Brakes, fit and finish all appear to be top-notch. The bike should certainly be quite light for the category, given the big head start Triumph had with the sportbike-based engine.

Triumph, along with Kawasaki, appears to be one of the few manufacturers willing to push new model development during the current poor economy, and it should continue to pick up market share as a result. Hinckley promises much more to come in the near future.

115 Comments

Just did some number crunching and come up with an estimated price for the Tiger 800 (non-ABS) of about US $9730. (All numbers rounded to the nearest 5.) I took the price of a Tiger 1050 in the UK (8800 pds)and converted it into dollars ($14150). The actual price of a Tiger 1050 in the US is $12000. The UK price of the 800 is 7150 pds, which equates to US $11475. Assuming that the percentage price difference between US and UK models is the same as for the 800 and 1050, and a bit of basic algebra you get @ $9730.
X 12000
—– = ——
11475 14150

Given that the main competition (BMW F800GS) is priced at $11,455, I bet the Tiger 800 MSRP will be US $9999.

Have been looking for my next big dualie (previously owned 3 Bmw GS’s, a 97 Tiger, a KLR and last but not least a 03 V-Strom 1000)and have been seriously considering the KTM Adventurer. However, like many others posting here, this 800XC has grabbed my attention. Right price, right accessories, and very importantly the right fuel capacity and this might be the one.

I’m not completely convinced that the bulk of its admittedly smallish fuel load isn’t carried under the seat. All of the pics I’ve seen show a sizable “box” area under the seat. Maybe it’s airbox/battery box but it wouldn’t shock me if, even though the filler is in the more traditional location, that the fuel isn’t carried lower. Wishful thinking? Maybe. We’ll see.

I’m glad to see that a manufacturer is taking a stab at ripping-off the F800GS/F650GS(twin) concept. No matter what the numbers revealed will actually be (weight, price, power), these mid-size adventure bikes from Triumph are sure to be a hit with the heart of a sport bike and the capability to travel the planet. The Tiger 800 XC is looking so good that I’ve officially renamed my “F800GS” savings account the “800 XC” savings account.

Not digging the “Velocipede Look” on the Road version with the 19″ front wheel. Why not a 17″? Better handling, more tire choices, (less weight?), BETTER LOOKS?…isn’t this one the “Road” one? Go figure.

I see an 800cc Triumph Motard JUST waiting and begging to happen with the Road Version, DO IT, DO IT! U KNOW U WANT TO!

After all, im sure whoever plans on “going off the beaten path(asphalt)” with this things will probably sprint for the XC from the get go.

Does the Seat looks too low to anyonelse but me? Im 6’…

Other than my previous bitchin, It looks like a really Utilitarian, do it all, long legged, no stupid Gizmos, “British UJM”. Thats always cool with me.

It don’t matter to me if it look like BMW’s F800GS. Here Form follows Function (as it should be with almost anything)…just look at Nature or Dirt bikes for that matter like someone cleverly pointed in another tread.

19″ front because Triumph is positioning it as an adventure bike, not an upright sport-tourer. There are no proper dual-sport tires available in a 17″ front, but plenty in a 19″ front, and there are still plenty of street tire choices.

For people who want an upright sport-touring bike with 17″ front, Triumph will still be selling the Tiger 1050.

True, but the 1050 Is Fugly beyond this one…(on my eyes anyways, never liked those projector headlights and that banana seat/subframe that looks like is reaching for heaven, Ho-Hum suspenders, just one wierd looking beast ) and feels like its been around forever now, some may see it the other way around.

Maybe the 1200 that’s been road testing on the U.K will make it look hot again ? Doubt it.

Less power – well they would have to be pretty ham fisted to make less power with an engine that at 675cc is already making much more power than a GS (probably more than a 1200 GS!)! The Engine is NOT going to be a weak point here – I predict all GS Beemers will feel the heat.

i like the 21-inch version, it’s obvious the bike’s styling was built around that wheel diameter. the 19-incher has a big ‘ol gap between the rubber and the rad-shrouds that looks just plain wrong. looks like a worthy competitor to the Bimmer

I’m Triumph biased already (own a 1200 Trophy sport-tourer), but this is one of the best all multi-purpose bikes I’ve seen to date. There are some great ones out there, the V-Stroms, KLR 650’s and more. But this one has my vote and maybe my money! As soon as it hits the showrooms I’m definitely going to be crawling all over it! Great job again Triumph! Now let’s start concentrating on getting that Trophy 1300 out to the public, I’m ready for a new one!

I am a female, 5’6″ and loved the Tiger but it was way too tall for me. I have ridden the Street Triple R and loved it but bad back issues mean the riding position is not viable (managed to get my husband to buy one though!) I bought a 650 Vstrom a year ago but if this is all it seems to be stacking up to be I will be breaking my habit of keeping bikes for 5-6 years and jumping ship to this!!

Check your F800GS stock (resale value) two months after the Trumpet appears. I rode the F800GS and was not enthused with the handling; front end shimmied all over the place. It’s got power though. Motor too buzzy for me.

Also riding a 1999 R1150GS. Tested a F800GS expecting to be very impressed. Much better off road but so disappointing on the highway, buzzed and shimmied just like you said. We know this Triumph motor will be smooth and fueling should be spot on. Not too concerned about max power, that’s not what these bikes are about, 95hp would be more than enough. The panniers need to be up to BM standards. Seat height looks adjustable from pics. As long as the on/off road handling is sorted then it may be time to say bye bye to the GS.

Thank you for the seat height specs from a site. 31.9 to 32.6 will probably and hopefully do it. Appreciate the info, and very glad Triumph has come up with and is making this bike. I’ve been waiting since I got online about 1998. This bike is everything a rider who had a Honda in 1972 and then wished for a CB450 or CL450 at the time could ask for. It’s been 38, okay 37 years since I sold it with 6000 miles.

No sweat, robert. Of course, none of it has been confirmed as far as I know. It’s just fun to have some numbers to play with while we’re waiting for the official launch. But, I read it on the Interwebs so it MUST be true, right?

Just to add a note, the Street Triple R seemed way too small for what I’m looking for. Granted, it might be or is the best naked midsize street bike, but it is way too small overall for all day comfort. The current Bonneville tends to be on the small side, like the bike I remember from the Sixties (pre-adolescence). The current Tiger 1050’s wheelbase is only 57 inches. So Triumph seems to err on the small side, and you can say that is British tradition, but a six foot person needs a comfortable adventure, go anywhere, mostly street, standard ergonomics bike.

No, a cruiser position is not attractive to me. The adventure , standard ergonomics with a windshield are very attractive. And no, I don’t like the 90 degree right angle position of the old Multistrada. I would say that both of the V-Stroms, 650 and 1000, are acceptable. There must be a little forward lean, not bolt upright like the old Multistrada. Cruisers no thanks.

Just sayin’ my preference, guys. Any ideal on two wheels is okay, and it is a motorcycle.

I’m alarmed by one or maybe two things in the official pictures. The seat seems low, for one. A bike like this has to have a seat at least as high as the V-Strom650, about 32 inches. Otherwise we are talking about a cramped bike without a commanding view of the road. Second, is the wheelbase 61 inches or more, like it’s BMW (both f650gs and f800gs) and Suzuki (V-Stroms) competitors? I do not want the feeling of the Kawasaki Versys, where I feel like I’m sitting on top of the rear wheel, versus the V-Strom650. I am interested in the road version of the Triumph800Adventure. A low seat height could negate the deal for me. Where to go? The BMW650gs or the new Honda 800 adventure, the latter to be revealed at Eicma 2010. I think that Triumph engineering and the triple engine are a compelling sales point, but a low seat or short wheelbase could wreck things. I’m hoping for great reviews of the Triumph 800 after EICMA, which will be the final determinant. Cramped legs for this 6 footer are not doable. I’m hoping Triumph has made our dream bike!

aah the joy of high brow internet discourse. The bike was shite, the engine leaked, and with body work cracking, busted tail light housing. Well I’ve been riding for years on other brands. Never gave on motorcycles, just grappy ones.

I currently own a 2001 (first year) Bonneville with 70,000 miles on it. The bike has run flawlessly, far exceeding my expectations. I will almost certainly buy another Triumph and this Tiger may well be the one. Just the right mix of power, weight and the comfortable upright riding position. Plus there’s nothing quite like their triple. For a company that was dead and buried they’ve come an awful long way. Who else has as complete a lineup as they do?

My first Triumph was an 03 Sprint st. I put 46000 miles on before splitting a deer in 2 with it. Never a lick of trouble. My second triumph was an 06 675. 28000 miles on it before the first deer’s father tried to split me in 2. Shame, I loved both those bikes.

I love everything except the exhaust. I know a big canister is needed for max horsepower, but that monstrosity looks like it will consumer at least 25 percent of the potential volume of the right-side pannier. I’d gladly sacrifice a few horsepower for a cleaner design, a la Ducati and Buell (RIP).

LOL. “COOL” does not have a place when talking about dual sports, Utilitarian,functional,etc are more lke it.
And NO, why get half of the right saddlebag when they could have clearly done something about it (Undertail or Lower).

Has anyone actually SEEN saddlebags on the dang thing? Has anyone actually LOOKED inside to see what compromise was made, if any? Ever looked at the OEM (*ahem*) HIGH MOUNT F800GS configuration? The exhaust can is pretty frickin’ big – and right in the way of the left bag. Note the compromise made:

Look at nearly ANY sport touring/dual-sport rig. One of the bags generally takes a hit on capacity. This concept is as old as the hills…..quit taking Triumph to task as if they’re the first and only ones and like it’s some unheard of travesty.

I like it and I hope the XC gets Suzuki thinking about doing something similar with the 650 V-Strom. There could be a lot more to differentiate the two versions like much less Tupperware on the more dirt oriented model. An 800cc V-Twin would be nice, as well.

Nobody NEEDS more power than the DL650. It’s always nice to have, though. I didn’t care for the two Liter-Stroms I’ve ridden. Too much weight up high and too much vibration compared to the 650. It also under performs compared to the 650. By that I mean it should stomp it’s little brother in roll ons but it doesn’t beat it by much.

BUT, I’m not trying to turn this into a 1000 vs. 650 thing. That’s why an 800cc twin with the weight of the DL650 would be ideal in a lot of people’s views.

Heck, I couldn’t get my local Triumph dealer to bring in the bigger Tiger, so this hardly matters, but I like the looks of it and it should be a great competitor for the F800GS, Multistrada market – especially if it’s priced closer to the ‘Stroms – but we’ll have to see about that, won’t we ?

looks very nice. The frame seems wacky with all those bends in it. The thing i dont like is the welded subframe, yes it might make it stronger but i think it was a cost of manufacturing consideration, what are you going to do in case of a drop and that part bends, ive had to replace my subframe on my vstrom for that reason and no cutting or welding where involved.

I like the tubular frame , can’t say the same about the huge distance between the headlight/windscreen and the bars. As any V Strom owner will tell you , the farther away the windscreen is from the rider , the more wind turbulence in your face coming around the sides of the screen . And the headlight being that far out in front just looks strange and out of place .

From the article above: “The photos show a narrow and apparently light dual-purpose machine, with the road oriented version featuring a 19 inch front wheel and the off-road oriented version featuring a spoked 21 incher.”

Also looks like the XC gets a remote reservoir for the rear shock that is not present on other pics of the road version I’ve seen. Then there’s the “beak.” It also looks like the XC has a bit more suspension travel, (1 to 3 inches?). No side stand required on the road going version either, apparently. It must have some NASA developed, gyroscopic self leveling technology.

What, no centerstand?? I still like the looks of it, but don’t care for welded-on passenger footpeg brackets…..would like to be able to take them off, and what happens if you low-side on one = bent….no way to replace?? We need a head-to-head comparison with a Beemer, Vstrom, Yami “Tenure”…..when all are available for testing.

I guess there are SOME similarities between the F800/650 and the Tiger 800, (maybe they should call it a 675 just to avoid confusion), except Triumph figured out how to make both headlights the same size.

Are you accusing Triumph of copying the dual purpose bike concept from BMW? I’d say that the F800GS (a great bike IMHO) represented a legitimate target for Triumph to put it’s own (possibly better) spin on. Form follows function, what works, works. I don’t remember seeing too many Chopper, Gold Wing or ZX-10 styled dirt bikes, these bikes have different functions and thus different forms. The “Dual-Purpose” bike has been around since the Yamaha DT-1 in the sixties at least. My first new bike was a 1975 Kawasaki KS-125 “Enduro” (great bike), I could easily see one of these new Triumphs as my next.

The concept is old. I am refering specifically to the styling. The R1200GS becanme very popular in the UK with a certain type of person after it was used by Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman on their trip around the world. The spawned the phrase “Ewan-wannabe” for people on these bikes. I am sorry to say that this Triumph has been styled like it is in the GS range and nothing like Triumphs original designs. It is a BMW-waanabe. Imagine Harley started producing bikes that deliberately took styling cues from Handa….

Pricing please. Timing too. Unlike Neil I think I’ll find this really comfortable, especially with a new saddle, just like the V-Strom that is nearing retirement at 135K. Does the offroad version have more suspension travel. Like ’em both, but if I could get that spoked front sealed, I’d probably go that way. I’m thinking Triumph should get quite a bit more HP out of that triple than then BMW does, based on having ridden the Triumph 675 and an 800 GS.

I guarantee you it will have more power than that… The 675 engine makes ~110hp at the wheel, let alone an 800 version of the same engine! I’d predict something more along the lines of 118hp at the wheel, since it will be tuned more for a broad torque spread and user-friendliness than outright power.

Good point. I guess conjecture is sort of why we are all here reading and writing this stuff.

I just hope that a wide and useable powerband is not sacraficed in order to get some high and silly peak HP figure. Ten more than the F800GS would be plenty for this machine as long as it had the mid-range that makes real-world riding truely enjoyable.

Neil it has a lot to do with the current fashion for “new lower seat!” which I absolutely hate because anyone over 6′ is now stuffed just so that shorter people “can put both feet safely on the ground”. Excuse me, but what does that have to do with actually RIDING a bike?

Having sat on the Versys and the NT700V, I have to say that this looks like the Versys and it was not comfortable. Any frame shaped like a V with the tank going up in the front and the subframe going up in the back does not lend itself to being comfy in to long run. If you look at the side profile of the NT700, Honda has made it much more comfy and I felt instantly at home. I’ll have to reserve judgement until I actually sit on one, but that one thing is a deal breaker on any bike. The rest of the bike looks great. Ducati did the same thing with their new Multi 1200 and the previous Triumph Sprint, just before the GT was horrid as well.